Occupy protesters plan to march without permits, target Boeing at NATO summit

Group aims to 'shut down' aircraft firm's office

May 11, 2012|By Robert McCoppin | Tribune reporter

Members of various groups planning to protest in Chicago during the NATO summit announce their plans Thursday. (Nancy Stone, Chicago Tribune)

Occupy Chicago will join with fellow demonstrators in the large formal marches planned for next weekend's NATO summit but also plan their own protests, including one aimed at Boeing Co., organizers say.

Occupy joined with other protest leaders to outline 10 days of "direct action," starting with free bus rides from other cities, participation in a series of rallies and protest, culminating in a march downtown by thousands of locals and visitors that Sunday, May 20.

The effort brings together a range of disparate groups: nurses, veterans, Occupy protesters, and mental health advocates. Their common message is that tax dollars for the military and weapons should instead be spent on social needs like schools, health and housing.

The May 20 march will feature Iraq Veterans Against the War who will give up their service medals to demand NATO's immediate withdrawal from the war in Afghanistan, organizer Aaron Hughes said Thursday.

City plans for the summit, on May 20 and 21, call for numerous restrictions on parking and closings of roads and downtown museums, to deal with both visiting dignitaries and protesters.

But Zoe Sigman, of Occupy Chicago, said the group would proceed without regard for city permits and aimed to "shut down" Boeing's main office May 21, a Monday.

"Boeing is a corporate war criminal that profits off violence on a massive scale," she said. "They're receiving huge tax cuts from the city of Chicago while they're making money off of death and war."

John Dern, a spokesman for Boeing, said the company was assessing the situation and completing its plans, and would protect its people and property. He said a nearly 10-foot fence put up around the property Saturday was coincidental, for work to replace the plaza that will last through November.

In response to the protesters' accusations, Dern said, "We're proud to do our part to support the men and women of our military who are protecting our country."

Protesters and police both said they would remain peaceful, as they did at May Day protests last week.

"We are committed to ensuring the public safety of our residents, visitors and those who wish to exercise their First Amendment rights," police spokeswoman Melissa Stratton said.